Another Tablecloth Trick

My latest upcycling project has been hand towels made from tablecloths. Once a permanent fixture in kitchens and dining rooms, it seems that tablecloths have gone by the wayside, along with the popularity of daily ironing.

So to keep these classics still in circulation, I have cut them down to hand towel size, embellished them with various trims (mostly ruffles made from recycled sheets) and made them into something we use everyday (ironing optional).

Bedspread Blankets

Good 'ol chenille bedspreads. Did you have one growing up? Remember if you fell asleep on top of it you'd wake up with the funny marks on your face?

This popcorn chenille spread was rescued from a thrift store and given new life several times over. Combined with some recycled sheets and a duvet cover, I was able to create several little baby blankets. Second chance charm at its sweetest.

Good Bye Alexander

I was so saddened to read that Alexander McQueen passed away today. The rumor is he took his own life, just a week after his mother died. He was such an amazing creative talent in the fashion world, and while a lot of his designs may be thought of as over-the-top and perhaps "unwearable," they were still incredible works of art to admire. Rest in peace...

Feelin' Scrappy

I'm not one for clutter, or keeping things around "just in case"... However, I do make an exception with fabric. I have a hard time getting rid of fabric, even scraps. As a result, I have come up with a few ways to use my "scraps." My latest project is this fabric "pomander".

I cannot take credit for the idea (is there really ever an original idea anymore?!?! Seems like someone has done it already in some shape or form). The sad part is I can't remember where I saw the idea, but I know it was in blogville.

Basically the only supplies you need are:

Lightweight Fabric (these were curtain panels I got at Goodwill for $2)

4" Chinese Lantern

Scissors
Hot Glue

This is a great "watching TV" project. Just cut a bunch (and I mean a bunch) of 2" circles out of any lightweight fabric. Fold a circle in half and secure with glue in the middle. Then fold the circle again into a pie shape, add glue to point and secure to lantern. Repeat over and over and over again until the orb is covered. Like I said, a great project while watching your favorite show (which currently for me is either "Southland" on TNT, "The Good Wife", or "Lost" -- which starts tonight -- and of course -- "Project Runway"). Just don't burn your fingers.

I add a piece of card stock to the center, scented with essential oil, to make it into a decorative pomander, and of course a ribbon to hang it from your favorite spot.

Persimmon Punch

Just a little pop of color to alert you to the new sweaters I've added to my Etsy shop. The flowers on this beauty are from a sweet vintage fabric, and the colors couldn't have matched any better. It was fashion fate...

The Magic of White Paint

It was time to put down the needle and thread and pick up a paint brush. I had a few items that were in dire need of a makeover, and a little white paint is my mini "furniture facelift" magic potion-- makes everything look a little crisper.

Found this table at the thrift store and snatched it up in a second. The hard part about painting in January is finding a place to paint. Our basement is "finished", it's too cold and wet outside, so... go to where it is a little less wet and and little less cold -- the garage. Can definitely see the signs of winter in our garage.

Anyhoo, here is the finished product. Nothing too spectacular, but definitely more my style. And definitely more deserving of a warm and dry place.

Sweet As A Candy

Federica from "Sweet as a Candy" blog is featuring me in her anniversary giveaway! I love this girl's blog -- it is exactly as it sounds -- sweet and charming. Her photos and layouts are always beautiful and I love her style. She features fashion, home decor and just wonderful tidbits about all things beautiful. But the best part is I get to live her wonderful Italian lifestyle vicariously through her blog. Take a peek at her blog -- you will be enchanted.

http://sweet-as-a-candy.blogspot.com/

And thank you Federica for making me look so good :) If you leave a comment on her post about the giveaway, you could win your choice of one of my caroline joy sweaters in my Etsy shop. Ciao!

P.S. I already sold one of the featured sweaters (the white one at the top) to one of Federica's lovely readers in Bologna, Italy! So I will be shopping and embellishing up a storm to make sure the shop is stocked with a wonderful variety of sweaters...